It seems like everywhere Trevor Bauer has been, controversy has followed him. Be it the high pitch counts at UCLA, or the odd warm-ups featuring the 300-plus foot long toss he does to warm up, or the controversial way he was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Cleveland Indians in the blockbuster three-team deal that saw Shin-Soo Choo go to the Cincinnati Reds and Didi Gregorius go to the Diamondbacks, disagreement and debate seem to be not too far behind.
What hasn't followed Bauer so far, however, is consistent success. The former No. 3 pick of the 2011 draft had a disappointing first season with the Indians, posting a 7.05 ERA in just 17 innings in his time in the majors, and then struggling to throw strikes in Triple-A Columbus with 73 walks in his 121 innings there.
While it's too early to say for certain, it appears that Bauer just might find that success in 2014. The right-hander was outstanding in his spot start for Cleveland, giving up just one run and striking out nine hitters in six innings, and most important, only two walks. Bauer has followed that up with quality outings for Columbus, and has posted a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings striking out 18 and walking just three.